OLYMPIC show jumper Nick Skelton is enjoying sunnier climes currently, having made the trip over to Florida.

Nick, who is based at Shrewley and turns 50 this year, is competing at the Florida Equestrian Festival and has quickly found his best form.

He headed a speed class on Lisa Hales' horse Russell, a horse having his first outing since the Olympia International Show at the end of 2006, after seeing off a strong challenge from USA rider Joe Fargis by a split second.

Nick is also hoping to bring his Athens Olympic partner Arko III - the horse that persuaded him back into competition after a short-lived "retirement" following breaking his neck in a fall - back soon.

The horse has had a long lay off due to injury, missing out on his chance of competing in the British team at last year's World Equestrian Games, but Nick hopes he will be back in the international arena by May.

Warwickshire College student Mark Townsend, 17, has secured a ticket to one of the top senior finals at this April's national Blue Chip show jumping championships.

Mark headed a qualifier at Solihull Riding Club, where the championships will also be staged.

He saw off a challenge from a huge field of 95 starters, holding the lead from an early draw in the two-phase competition, where riders clear in the first round went straight onto a timed jump-off section.

His partner was the mare Trinity Sunday, home bred by owner Maggie Ross and by renowned show jumping stallion It's the Business.

Mark had only been riding the horse for a few weeks and is now also hoping to qualify him for the national Scope Festival this autumn.